The group started by creating original liturgical music for traditional Hebrew prayers for the Fabrangen community in Washington, DC.
The initial line-up of the group featured David Shneyer on vocals, guitar, and harmonica; Alan Oresky on violin and mandolin; and Frank Sparber on clarinet.
The album featured original music composed by David Shneyer which was set to traditional Jewish liturgical text.
In a 1979 review in Jewish Living Magazine, music critic Nat Hentoff wrote that the Fiddlers "create an astonishing blend.
In a 1985 interview with the Baltimore Jewish Times, the Fabrangen Fiddlers explained that throughout history, Jews have always borrowed from the surrounding culture while retaining their own ethnic identity.
Rockland quotes musicologist Ruth Rubin as saying that the Fabrangen Fiddlers "…are the best there is… [violinist] Alan [Oresky] is absolutely remarkable, the fiddle is part of his arm.